Is burgundy a mourning colour?

It reads as formal and dignified across most traditions — closer to ceremony than to grief. Families choose it when the service should feel weighty without being sombre, and it is common at services for people who held office or position.

How does it differ from the Mass design?

Mass of Christian Burial carries a deep red as a liturgical accent and arrives with the full Mass order pre-filled. Burgundy is a general design with no denominational structure — same colour family, entirely different content.

Does it print well in mono?

Better than most coloured designs. The burgundy converts to a strong grey that keeps its presence, where lighter accents wash out to almost nothing.

Burgundy

Deep burgundy on warm ivory — rich, classic, quietly formal.

In Loving Memory of

Deacon Charles E. Williams

Sunrise 4 June 1951 · Sunset 20 July 2026

Saturday, 1 August 2026 · 11:00 · St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Durban

Order of Service

Officiant: Rev. Dr C. A. Brown

Processional

Opening Selection

Prayer

Scripture — Old Testament

Scripture — New Testament

Reflections — Family & Friends (2 minutes please)

Reading of Resolutions & Acknowledgements

Reading of the Obituary

Selection

Eulogy

Recessional

Life Story

Charles Earl Williams was born on 4 June 1951 in Durban, the third of five children. He gave forty-two years of faithful service to St Andrew’s, where his baritone anchored the men’s chorus and his Sunday lunches anchored the summer.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; children Marcus and Angela; and six grandchildren who called him “Oupa”.

Family

WifeDorothy Williams

ChildrenMarcus Williams, Angela Carter

GrandchildrenSix grandchildren

Pallbearers

M. Williams · D. Carter · R. Johnson · T. Brooks · L. Green · C. Harris

Acknowledgements

The family of Deacon Williams gratefully acknowledges every act of kindness, every prayer, and every warm word shared during our time of bereavement. Your love carries us.

Printing this design

A deep-red accent on a pale ground with a double-rule frame — ceremony without the ink cost of a dark cover. Coverage is modest, the rules are robust enough to photocopy, and the burgundy renders as a strong mid-grey in mono rather than dropping out. Practical for a large run that still needs to feel formal.

Choosing the photograph

The arch crop needs headroom above the head. Burgundy is a strong accent, so a photograph with a busy or brightly coloured background will compete with it; a plain backdrop or a dark garment keeps the cover coherent.

Questions about Burgundy

Is burgundy a mourning colour?: It reads as formal and dignified across most traditions — closer to ceremony than to grief. Families choose it when the service should feel weighty without being sombre, and it is common at services for people who held office or position.
How does it differ from the Mass design?: Mass of Christian Burial carries a deep red as a liturgical accent and arrives with the full Mass order pre-filled. Burgundy is a general design with no denominational structure — same colour family, entirely different content.
Does it print well in mono?: Better than most coloured designs. The burgundy converts to a strong grey that keeps its presence, where lighter accents wash out to almost nothing.